Leighton Baines, the player-turned-coach, has been inducted into Everton's hall of fame
Leighton Baines, assistant manager at Everton, before the Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton at Elland Road. Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Leighton Baines, assistant manager at Everton, before the Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton at Elland Road. Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
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Leighton Baines has reflected on his long association with Everton after being inducted into the club's hall of fame.
The 41-year-old joined a list of legendary Blues with the accolade this summer, the honour a reflection of his distinguished service on and off the pitch.
It was almost very different - Baines rose through the club’s academy before leaving. But he then returned and become one of the Premier League’s best left-backs.
His relationship with the club has only grown since with his rise through the coaching ranks at Finch Farm.
Discussing the recognition bestowed upon him by the club, Baines said: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to find my way back to this football club as a player.
“I’m incredibly lucky and really happy that I was able to give my best playing years to this football club.”
Baines made 420 appearances across 13 seasons for Everton after he returned to the club when he was signed by David Moyes from Wigan Athletic in 2007. His 39 goals are a catalogue of stunning efforts from the dead ball specialist.
Following his retirement, Baines was appointed to the role of professional development coach within the club’s academy.
He became the Blues’ Under-18s head coach in October 2021 and then, when Sean Dyche exited on the eve of the FA Cup third-round tie with Peterborough United in January 2025 he led the team with club captain and former team-mate Seamus Coleman alongside him.
Moyes returned to Everton days later - but only after Baines, with Coleman, visited his home to convince him to go back to the club. Moyes then promoted Baines to his first team staff.
On his development behind the scenes, Baines told Everton’s media team: “The privilege now is mine that people looked after me and kept me in the building when I finished playing. And I take that responsibility seriously and I've applied myself the best I can… It’s been a great 18 months for me.
“I wasn't trying to be in a first-team environment in any way. My focus was just completely on becoming a better coach every single day. And then things changed here.
“The manager came in, asked me to come up with him, which was obviously a fantastic opportunity. And I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.
“There’s so much experience in our coaching room and also in the dressing room. Being able to work with the players at this level, you can’t lose sight of how much of a real honour that is.”
On becoming an Everton ‘giant’ - and therefore being inducted into the club’s hall of fame - Kirkby-born Baines added: “[It] is quite surreal, to be honest with you.
“When you’re hearing some of the names who have won the award in the past, it’s very humbling to be put in that company.”